Ballot Measureshttp://stopthedrugwar.org/topics/politics_advocacy/electoral_politics/ballot_measures
enChronicle AM: DC Legalizes, Jamaica Decriminalizes, Maryland Heroin Crisis, More (2/25/15)http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/2015/feb/25/chronicle_am_dc_legalizes_jamaic
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<p>Marijuana possession and cultivation will be legal in DC in just a few hours, Jamaica gives final approval to decriminalization, marijuana and medical marijuana bills are popping up all over, and more. Let&#39;s get to it:</p><p>[image:1 align:right]<strong>Marijuana Policy</strong></p><p><a href="http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201520160SB305" target="_blank">California Bill Would Increase Penalties for Manufacturing Concentrates</a>. State Sen. Pat Bates (R-Rancho Niguel) filed a bill Monday that would &quot;authorize enhanced sentences for manufacturing cannabis concentrates where a child under the age of 16 is present&quot; or is injured. The measure is <a href="http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201520160SB305" target="_blank" title="This external link will open in a new window">Senate Bill 305</a>.</p><p><a href="http://www.thecannabist.co/2015/02/24/marijuana-legalization-poll-colorado/30346" target="_blank">Poll Finds Coloradans Still Like Marijuana Legalization</a>. A new <a href="http://www.quinnipiac.edu/news-and-events/quinnipiac-university-poll/2016-presidential-swing-state-polls/release-detail?ReleaseID=2157" target="_blank">Quinnipiac University Poll released Tuesday</a> finds that 58% of state residents support Amendment 64, which legalized marijuana in the state. Amendment 64 won with 55% of the vote, and support has only increased since then.</p><p><a href="http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/2015/feb/25/midnight_tonight_marijuana_legal" target="_blank">DC Marijuana Legalization in Effect Thursday</a>. As of Thursday, it is no longer a crime to possess up to two ounces or grow up to six plants (only three in flowering). The Initiative 71 legalization initiative has gone into effect.</p><p><a href="http://postonpolitics.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2015/02/24/bill-would-legalize-pot-in-florida/" target="_blank">Florida Legalization Bill Filed</a>. State Sen. Dwight Bullard (D-Cutler Bay) has introduced <a href="https://cmgpbppostonpolitics.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/pot-bill.pdf" target="_blank">Senate Bill 1176</a>, which would legalize the possession of up to 2.5 ounces and six plants. The bill is identical to one he filed last year that went nowhere, and Bullard says he doubts this won will pass, either.</p><p><a href="http://somd.com/news/headlines/2015/19107.shtml" target="_blank">Maryland House Committee Hears Marijuana Bills</a>. The House of Delegates Judiciary Committee heard testimony Tuesday on five marijuana policy-related bills. Click on the link for details.</p><p><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/17/vermont-marijuana-legalization_n_6662426.html" target="_blank">Vermont Legalization Bill Filed in House</a>. State Rep. Chris Pearson (P-Burlington) introduced a bill Tuesday that would regulate and tax marijuana like alcohol in Vermont. Nine cosponsors have signed on to House Bill 277, which mirrors <a href="http://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2016/S.95" target="_blank">Senate Bill 95</a>, introduced last week by Sen. David Zuckerman (P-Chittenden).</p><p><strong>Medical Marijuana</strong></p><p><a href="http://www.macon.com/2015/02/25/3605508/georgia-medical-cannabis.html" target="_blank">Georgia CBD Cannabis Oil Bill Passes House</a>. The House today approved <a href="http://www.legis.ga.gov/Legislation/en-US/display/20152016/HB/1" target="_blank">House Bill 1</a>, which allows for the use of low-THC, high-CBD cannabis oil to treat seizures and other major health conditions. The measure now goes to the Senate.</p><p><a href="http://www.hayspost.com/2015/02/24/cannabis-oil-bill-passes-house-committee" target="_blank">Kansas CBD Cannabis Oil Bill Wins House Committee Vote</a>. For the first time, a measure allowing some form of medical marijuana has won a vote in the state legislature. The House Health and Human Services Committee Monday approved <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2015_16/measures/hb2282/" target="_blank">House Bill 2282</a>, which would allow for the use of low-THC, high-CBD cannabis oil for seizure disorders.</p><p><a href="http://www.tennessean.com/story/news/2015/02/24/house-delays-action-bill-legalize-cannabis-oil/23965545" target="_blank">Tennessee CBD Cannabis Oil Bill Delayed</a>. The House Criminal Justice Subcommittee is delaying a bill that would legalize low-THC, high-CBD cannabis oil. Lawmakers decided Tuesday to bump any action back by at least two weeks. The bill is <a href="http://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/Default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0197" target="_blank">House Bill 197</a>.</p><p><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/25/highprofile-trial-against_n_6748202.html" target="_blank">Kettle Falls Five Trial Gets Underway in Spokane</a>. The trial of an Eastern Washington family accused of violating federal marijuana laws by growing their own medical marijuana legally under state law began today. The family is known as the Kettle Falls Five, but it&#39;s now the Kettle Falls Four after charges were dismissed against terminally ill patriarch Larry Harvey. The prosecution of the Harveys runs counter to Obama administration policy and congressional desire, but continues anyway.</p><p><strong>Heroin and Opiates</strong></p><p><a href="http://www.wbaltv.com/politics/governor-calls-marylands-heroin-crisis-an-emergency/31452212" target="_blank">Maryland Governor Declares Heroin a Statewide Crisis</a>. Gov. Larry Hogan (R) Tuesday declared war on heroin, signing two executive orders to confront what he calls a heroin &quot;epidemic.&quot; One order establishes the Inter-Agency Heroin and Opioid Coordinating Council to coordinate efforts among state agencies; the other creates the Heroin and Opioid Emergency Task Force, which is supposed to come up with recommendations by December 1.</p><p><strong>Asset Forfeiture</strong></p><p><a href="http://www.indystar.com/story/news/crime/2015/02/24/senate-passes-bill-requires-reporting-asset-seizures/23952645" target="_blank">Indiana Senate Passes Asset Forfeiture Reporting Bill</a>. The state Senate Tuesday unanimously approved <a href="http://iga.in.gov/legislative/2015/bills/senate/388" target="_blank">Senate Bill 388</a>, which would create a statewide system of reporting on asset seizures and forfeitures. Sponsors said that could be a first step toward undoing civil asset forfeiture. The measure now goes to the House.</p><p><strong>International</strong></p><p><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/25/jamaica-decriminalises-marijuana" target="_blank">Jamaica Decriminalizes Marijuana</a>. Parliament&#39;s lower house Tuesday gave final approval to a government-supported bill that will decriminalize the possession of up to two ounces of ganja and allow for the growing of up to five plants. The bill also paves the way for a regulatory authority for medical, scientific, and therapeutic uses and allows Rastafarians to use the drug for religious purposes. Jamaica becomes the first Caribbean nation to decriminalize.</p><p><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/feb/25/new-party-cannabis-election-issue-cista-candidates" target="_blank">New British Marijuana Party Will Field Candidates</a>. A new pro-marijuana political party has announced it will field up to a hundred candidates in general elections set for later this year. <a href="http://cista.org/" target="_blank">Cista</a>&nbsp;-- Cannabis is Safer than Alcohol -- says it is inspired by legalization in some US states and wants to do the same in England.</p> </div>
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http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/2015/feb/25/chronicle_am_dc_legalizes_jamaic#comments2014Colorado Amendment 64DecriminalizationHeroinMarijuana -- Personal UseMarijuana LegalizationMedical MarijuanaNews BriefPollingPrescription OpiatesState & Local Executive BranchesState & Local LegislaturesWed, 25 Feb 2015 23:47:03 +0000psmith31326 at http://stopthedrugwar.orgChronicle AM: Marijuana Legal in Alaska, Ohio Initiative Hits Bump, Bad CA Bills, More (2/24/15)http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/2015/feb/24/chronicle_am_marijuana_legal_ala
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<p>It was legalization day today in Alaska, Ohio&#39;s Responsible Ohio initiative goes back to the drawing board, a Georgia CBD medical marijuana bill moves, there are a couple of bad bills filed in California, and more. Let&#39;s get to it:</p><p>[image:1 align:right caption:true]<strong>Marijuana Policy</strong></p><p><a href="http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/2015/feb/23/first_phase_alaska_legalization">Marijuana is Now Legal in Alaska</a>. As of Tuesday, February 24, 2015, the first phase of Alaska&#39;s voter-approved <a href="http://www.elections.alaska.gov/petitions/13PSUM/13PSUM-Proposed-Law.pdf" target="_blank">Measure 2</a> marijuana legalization initiative goes into effect. Now, people 21 and over can legally possess up to an ounce of weed and grow up to six plants in their home (only three flowering). Adults may also share up to an ounce of weed with other adults and give them up to six plants. Taxed and regulated marijuana commerce will come next year. Click on the link for more.</p><p><a href="http://www.alaskapublic.org/2015/02/23/walker-files-bill-creating-marijuana-control-board" target="_blank">Alaska Governor Files Bill for Marijuana Control Board</a>. Gov. Bill Walker (R) yesterday filed a bill to create a marijuana control board to oversee the state&#39;s coming legal marijuana industry. Legalization supporters had sought to have pot regulated outside the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, and this bill is a step in that direction. The measure is <a href="http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?session=29&amp;bill=SB60" target="_blank">Senate Bill 60</a>.</p><p><a href="http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2015/02/24/ohio-politics-now-responsibleohio-marijuana-language.html" target="_blank">Ohio AG Rejects Wording on ResponsibleOhio Ballot Summary</a>. Attorney General Mike DeWine (R) says the ballot language &quot;omits that the proposed amendment permits the sharing of specified amounts of marijuana between adults 21 years old and older&quot; and &quot;does not accurately reflect the manner in which proposed taxes would be distributed.&quot; That means <a href="http://responsibleohio.org/" target="_blank">ResponsibleOhio</a> will have to fix the ballot language and submit another 1,000 signatures to try again.</p><p><strong>Medical Marijuana</strong></p><p><a href="http://atlantaprogressivenews.com/2015/02/23/georgia-medical-cannabis-oil-bill-passes-house-committee" target="_blank">Georgia CBD Cannabis Oil Bill Wins Committee Vote</a>. The House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee unanimously approved <a href="http://www.legis.ga.gov/Legislation/en-US/display/20152016/HB/1" target="_blank">House Bill 1</a>, sponsored by Rep. Allen Peake (R-Macon). The bill was amended to restore a maximum 5% THC level (up from 3%) and to limit the personal information police can access when verifying a medical marijuana authorization, but an amendment that would have reinstated illnesses removed at the request of law enforcement failed.</p><p><strong>Asset Forfeiture</strong></p><p><a href="http://www.montereyherald.com/general-news/20150223/luis-alejo-kamala-harris-back-asset-seizure-before-criminal-charges" target="_blank">California Bill Would Allow Civil Forfeiture Before Criminal Complaint is Filed</a>. A bill touted as a measure against transnational crime that would give prosecutors the power to freeze assets before a criminal complaint is filed was introduced Monday. The bill is <a href="http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/15-16/bill/asm/ab_0401-0450/ab_443_bill_20150223_introduced.pdf" target="_blank">Assembly Bill 443</a>, and it is being backed by state Attorney General Kamala Harris (D).</p><p><strong>Drug Testing</strong></p><p><a href="http://mtstandard.com/news/state-and-regional/house-passes-bill-to-drug-test-some-welfare-applicants/article_6dcd3db4-721f-5e93-a398-32f8b973fad2.html" target="_blank">Montana Welfare Drug Testing Bill Passes House</a>. The House last Friday approved <a href="http://leg.mt.gov/bills/2015/billpdf/HB0200.pdf" target="_blank">House Bill 200</a>, which would require applicants for food stamps to be screened for possible drug use. Authorities will use the screenings to determine which applicants would have to submit to a drug test. Refusal to be screened would result in a denial of benefits. The bill now heads to the state.</p><p><strong>Sentencing</strong></p><p><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/23/calif-lawmakers-seek-to-_n_6739788.html" target="_blank">California Bill Would Let Prosecutors Charge Possession of &quot;Date Rape&quot; Drugs As a Felony</a>. Just last November, Californians voted to defelonize simple drug possession. Now, a bill has been filed that would allow prosecutors the option of charging possession of Rohypnol, GHB, and ketamine as either felonies or misdemeanors. The bill is <a href="http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/15-16/bill/asm/ab_0001-0050/ab_46_bill_20141201_introduced.pdf" target="_blank">Assembly Bill 46</a>, sponsored by Rep. Tom Lackey (R-Antelope Valley), a former Highway Patrol sergeant.</p> </div>
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http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/2015/feb/24/chronicle_am_marijuana_legal_ala#comments2014Asset ForfeitureDefelonizationMarijuana -- Personal UseMarijuana IndustryMarijuana LegalizationMedical MarijuanaNews BriefState & Local Executive BranchesState & Local LegislaturesTue, 24 Feb 2015 22:53:07 +0000psmith31324 at http://stopthedrugwar.orgChronicle AM: Marijuana Legal in Alaska Tomorrow, Kosher MedMJ in NY, Chinese Meth, More (2/23/15)http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/2015/feb/23/chronicle_am_marijuana_legal_ala
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<p>Alaska&#39;s Measure 2 legalization begins to kick in tomorrow, the UFCW organizes medical marijuana workers in Minnesota, Chuck Schumer wants more drug war money, India bans the new synthetic drug mephedrone, and more. Let&#39;s get to it:</p><p>[image:1 align:left caption:true]<strong>Marijuana Policy</strong></p><p><a href="http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/2015/feb/23/first_phase_alaska_legalization">First Phase of Alaska Legalization Goes Into Effect Tomorrow</a>. As of Tuesday, February 24, 2015, the first phase of Alaska&#39;s voter-approved <a href="http://www.elections.alaska.gov/petitions/13PSUM/13PSUM-Proposed-Law.pdf" target="_blank">Measure 2</a> marijuana legalization goes into effect. Beginning then, people 21 and over can legally possess up to an ounce of weed and grow up to six plants in their home (only three flowering). Adults may also share up to an ounce of weed with other adults and give them up to six plants. Taxed and regulated marijuana commerce will come next year. Click on the link for more.</p><p><a href="http://www.marijuanapolicyinmd.org/" target="_blank">Maryland Legalization Bill Gets Hearing Tomorrow</a>. The House Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing in the General Assembly on Tuesday, February 24, to consider a bill that would regulate and tax marijuana similarly to alcohol. Supporters of the bill, including representatives of the Marijuana Policy Coalition of Maryland, are expected to testify. The hearing will take place in Room 101 of the House Office Building at 1:00pm ET. The bill is <a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2015RS/bills/hb/hb0911f.pdf" target="_blank">House Bill 911</a>, sponsored by Rep. Curt Anderson (D-Baltimore).</p><p><strong>Medical Marijuana</strong></p><p><a href="http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/3684929-medical-marijuana-workers-unionize-minnesota" target="_blank">Minnesota Medical Marijuana Workers Unionize</a>. Workers at Minnesota Medical Solutions, which will operate four medical marijuana dispensaries, have signed a labor agreement with the company under the auspices of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UCFW), Local 1189. The union is also in discussions about representing workers at the other four planned dispensaries in the state, which will be operated by LeafLine Labs. The UFCW has also organized marijuana workers in California, Colorado, and Washington.</p><p><a href="http://www.ozarksfirst.com/story/d/story/medical-marijuana-to-get-missouri-house-hearing/84250/t-PzscT-BUat3H1eFCWaag" target="_blank">Missouri Medical Marijuana Bill Gets Hearing Today</a>. Rep. Dave Hinson&#39;s (R-St. Clair) <a href="http://www.house.mo.gov/billsummary.aspx?bill=HB800&amp;year=2015&amp;code=R" target="_blank">House Bill 800</a>, which would allow for medical marijuana for eligible payments, was set to get a House hearing today. Come back tomorrow for results.</p><p><a href="http://wvmetronews.com/2015/02/23/medical-marijuana-bill-introduced-in-senate" target="_blank">West Virginia Medical Marijuana Bill Filed</a>. On the last day to file Senate bills in the legislative session, Sen. Mitch Carmichael (R-Ripley) introduced <a href="https://legiscan.com/WV/drafts/SB546/2015" target="_blank">Senate Bill 546</a>, the &quot;Creating Compassionate Use Act for Medical Cannabis.&quot; The bill would allow for medical marijuana for designated debilitating medical conditions and would require patients and caregivers to be registered with the state. The bill now goes before the Senate Health and Human Services Committee.</p><p><a href="http://forward.com/articles/215113/medical-marijuana-may-soon-get-kosher-stamp-of-app/" target="_blank">Kosher Medical Marijuana Coming to New York?</a> Orthodox Jews in New York may soon be able to get kosher medical marijuana. Rabbi Moshe Elefant, head of the Orthodox Union&#39;s kosher certification agency said he has held &quot;preliminary discussions&quot; with several companies seeking to obtain a kosher seal of approval for medical marijuana. Click on the link for more.</p><p><strong>Law Enforcement</strong></p><p><a href="http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2015/02/22/schumer-dont-cut-funds-to-fight-heroin-trafficking" target="_blank">Chuck Schumer Lobbies to Restore HIDTA Funding Cuts</a>. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) said Sunday Congress should reject President Obama&#39;s plan to cut funding for the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program. &quot;This is one area where I disagree with the president, and I&#39;m going to fight to reverse his decision,&quot; Schumer said. He wants $100 million in drug war funding restored, in part to fight heroin use in his state.</p><p><strong>International</strong></p><p><a href="http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/corrupt-chinese-pharmaceuticals-firms-fuelling-growth-methamphetamine-un-drugs-official-1489013" target="_blank">UN Official Blames &quot;Corrupt&quot; Chinese Pharmaceutical Industry for Meth Production</a>. Chinese police recently busted 2.4 <em>tons</em> of meth in Guangdong Province, provoking UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) official Jeremy Douglas to say that &quot;corruption in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries&quot; in China was behind the easy availability of chemicals needed to mass produce the drugs. &quot;To operate a lab like this, you need a lot of chemicals, which are legitimate, regulated chemicals from the pharmaceutical industry,&quot; Douglas said. &quot;This group has been able to get their hands on the precursor chemicals necessary to produce the drugs. They&#39;ve been doing it for a long time, which means they&#39;re getting these chemicals on a regular basis. There is some kind of corruption in the chemical/pharmaceutical industry taking place allowing this to happen.&quot;</p><p><a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Drug-abuse-law-now-covers-meth/articleshow/46328898.cms" target="_blank">India Bans Mephedrone</a>. India has now classified mephedrone (also known as &quot;Meow-Meow&quot; or &quot;M-Cat&quot;) as a psychotropic substance that falls under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act of 1985. That means mephedrone will now be treated as a controlled substance like heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine. Previously, the new synthetic was not regulated in the country.</p> </div>
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http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/2015/feb/23/chronicle_am_marijuana_legal_ala#comments2014Budgets/Taxes/EconomicsCongressCorruptionMarijuana -- Personal UseMarijuana IndustryMarijuana LegalizationMedical MarijuanaMethamphetamineNews BriefState & Local LegislaturesSynthetic StimulantsTax and RegulateUnited NationsMon, 23 Feb 2015 23:04:35 +0000psmith31323 at http://stopthedrugwar.orgFirst Phase of Alaska Legalization Goes Into Effect Tomorrowhttp://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/2015/feb/23/first_phase_alaska_legalization
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<p><em>This article was written in collaboration with AlterNet and first appeared <a href="http://www.alternet.org/drugs/alaska-marijuana-legalization-effect-tomorrow" target="_blank">here</a>.</em></p><p>[image:1 align:right caption:true]As of Tuesday, February 24, 2015, the first phase of Alaska&#39;s voter-approved <a href="http://www.elections.alaska.gov/petitions/13PSUM/13PSUM-Proposed-Law.pdf" target="_blank">Measure 2</a> marijuana legalization goes into effect. Beginning then, people 21 and over can legally possess up to an ounce of weed and grow up to six plants in their home (only three flowering). Adults may also share up to an ounce of weed with other adults and give them up to six plants.</p><p>Private pot-smoking will be completely legal for adults, although public consumption remains illegal. Not all issues related to personal use, possession, and cultivation are resolved. The state legislature is still trying to settle questions around edibles, transporting marijuana, and use by minors. <a href="http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?bill=SB%20%2030" target="_blank">Senate Bill 30</a>, which was supposed to be ready by legalization day, is <a href="http://www.newsminer.com/news/local_news/marijuana-bill-to-iron-out-legalization-details-moves-out-of/article_36b093be-b99f-11e4-99df-17a1292adf80.html" target="_blank">still working its way through the legislature</a>.</p><p>The second phase of legalization -- legal, taxed, and regulated marijuana commerce -- won&#39;t go into effect until the spring or summer of 2016. A nine-month rulemaking process is set to begin on legalization day, with the state expected to begin accepting applications for business permits in February 2016. The timeline was mandated in Measure 2, and the process is on schedule so far.</p><p>&quot;First Colorado and Washington, now Alaska and Oregon -- and all with levels of support higher than the winning candidates for governor and US Senate achieved in those states,&quot; said Ethan Nadelmann, executive director of the <a href="http://www.drugpolicy.org/" target="_blank">Drug Policy Alliance</a>. &quot;Legalizing marijuana just makes sense now to voters across the political spectrum and -- as we&#39;ll likely see in 2016 -- across the country.&quot;</p><p>Dr. Tim Hunterberger, cosponsor of the initiative and chair of the winning <a href="http://regulatemarijuanainalaska.org/" target="_blank">Campaign to Regulate Like Alcohol in Alaska</a>, and Bruce Schulte of the <a href="http://www.crclalaska.org/" target="_blank">Coalition for Responsible Cannabis Legislation</a>, an industry group monitoring the implementation process, are calling for legalization supporters to <a href="http://juneauempire.com/opinion/2015-02-22/my-turn-please-consume-marijuana-responsibly" target="_blank">celebrate by consuming marijuana responsibly</a> and to keep in mind that personal legalization doesn&#39;t mean a marijuana free-for-all.</p><p>&quot;As with alcohol there&#39;s an appropriate time, place, and manner to consume marijuana, and the worst thing that could happen right now is for a handful of overzealous folks to spoil things by making a public spectacle out of marijuana consumption,&quot; they cautioned. &quot;So, please be respectful of your fellow Alaskans, don&#39;t drive under the influence and don&#39;t do anything to give your neighbors reason to feel uneasy about this new law. We&#39;re in the midst of an enormous social and legal shift. Please do your part to make it as successful as possible by consuming responsibly.&quot;</p><p>Alaska isn&#39;t the only place where legalization is going at least partially into effect this week. The District of Columbia&#39;s possession and cultivation legalization initiative is set to go into effect Thursday -- unless Congress acts to block it (and the president signs such a measure) before then.</p> </div>
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http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/2015/feb/23/first_phase_alaska_legalization#comments2014Marijuana -- Personal UseMarijuana IndustryMarijuana LegalizationNews BriefState & Local LegislaturesTax and RegulateMon, 23 Feb 2015 20:51:11 +0000psmith31321 at http://stopthedrugwar.orgChronicle AM: More CO Lawsuits, 2016 MI Inits, New Paid Med Rules a Pain for Vets, More (2/19/15)http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/2015/feb/19/chronicle_am_more_co_lawsuits_20
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<p>An anti-crime group has filed a pair of lawsuits challenging Colorado&#39;s legal marijuana law, a decrim bill is moving in Hawaii, 2016 initiative plans are getting underway in Michigan, DEA rules on pain pills are causing problems for vets and others, and more. Let&#39;s get to it:</p><p>[image:1 align:left caption:true]<strong>Marijuana Policy</strong></p><p><a href="http://www.adn.com/article/20150218/revised-marijuana-bill-removes-pot-list-controlled-substances" target="_blank">Revised Alaska Marijuana Bill Removes It From Controlled Substances List; Adds New Misdemeanors</a>. The legislature&#39;s effort to regulate legal marijuana has been revised to remove pot from the controlled substances list, according to an updated draft of <a href="http://www.akleg.gov/basis/Bill/Detail/29?Root=SB%20%2030" target="_blank">Senate Bill 30</a>. The bill would also create new crimes for misconduct involving marijuana, including selling it without a license, possessing more than six plants, transporting more than an ounce, providing it to minors, and making hash oil with a volatile or explosive gas. The bill got a hearing in committee yesterday.</p><p><a href="http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/State-AG-Kamala-Harris-says-she-not-opposed-to-6088406.php" target="_blank">California&#39;s Attorney General Not Opposed to Legalization</a>. Attorney General Kamala Harris, the state&#39;s top law enforcement officer and Democratic front-runner for a 2016 US Senate seat has said she has no moral objection to legalizing marijuana, but worries about impacts on children and public safety. &quot;I don&#39;t have any moral opposition to legalization,&quot; she said, &quot;but I do feel a very strong sense of responsibility as a top cop to pay attention to the details... to make sure that if it were legalized... that vulnerable people are safe.&quot;</p><p><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/govbeat/wp/2015/02/18/group-opposed-to-legal-marijuana-plans-to-sue-colorado-and-industry-participants/" target="_blank">Private Group Sues Colorado Over Legalization</a>. Two months ago, Nebraska and Oklahoma filed a lawsuit seeking to overturn the state&#39;s legal marijuana law, and now, two more lawsuits are being filed by a private group, Safe Streets Alliance, an anti-crime organization led by a former Reagan administration official. In one suit, two Colorado property owners <a href="http://www.safestreetsalliance.org.php54-2.dfw1-2.websitetestlink.com/assets/media/Reilly_Complaint.pdf" target="_blank">are suing</a> a handful of marijuana industry participants under federal racketeering laws and state and local officials under the charge that they are violating the constitution&#39;s supremacy clause by not enforcing federal law. In the <a href="http://www.safestreetsalliance.org.php54-2.dfw1-2.websitetestlink.com/assets/media/New_Vision_Complaint.pdf" target="_blank">other suit</a>, Safe Streets joined with the Holiday Inn in Frisco to sue a number of marijuana industry participants on racketeering charges. That suit claims that a planned legal marijuana store is causing the hotel to &quot;suffer injuries to its business and property.&quot; Pot supporters say the lawsuits are unlikely to go anywhere.</p><p><a href="http://www.civilbeat.com/2015/02/hawaii-senate-committee-passes-bill-to-decriminalize-marijuana/" target="_blank">Hawaii Senate Committee Passes Decriminalization Bill</a>. The Senate Health Committee Wednesday approved <a href="http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2015/bills/SB596_.htm" target="_blank">Senate Bill 596</a>, which would decriminalize up to an ounce, replacing a petty misdemeanor with a civil infraction and a $100 fine.</p><p><a href="http://www.mlive.com/lansing-news/index.ssf/2015/02/michigan_marijuana_legalizatio.html" target="_blank">Two Michigan 2016 Legalization Initiative Efforts Getting Underway</a>. At least two different groups are eyeing a legalization initiative effort next year. East Lansing attorney Jeffrey Hank <a href="http://miboecfr.nicusa.com/cgi-bin/cfr/com_det.cgi?com_id=517228" target="_blank">filed paperwork</a> Tuesday for the Michigan Comprehensive Cannabis Law Reform Committee, while East Lansing-based Mitchell Research and Communications, a marijuana industry advocacy group, filed paperwork last month to create the <a href="http://www.dleg.state.mi.us/bcs_corp/dt_corp.asp?id_nbr=71619K&amp;name_entity=MICHIGAN%20RESPONSIBILITY%20COUNCIL" target="_blank">Michigan Responsibility Council</a>, which says it will soon transform itself into a ballot committee for 2016. Click on the link for more details.</p><p><a href="http://www.house.mo.gov/billsummary.aspx?bill=HB978&amp;year=2015" target="_blank">Missouri Bill Would Free Marijuana Lifer Jeff Mirzanskey</a>. Rep. Shamed Dogan this week filed <a href="http://www.house.mo.gov/billsummary.aspx?bill=HB978&amp;year=2015" target="_blank">House Bill 978</a>, which would require the release of anyone serving life without parole for marijuana offenses. That means Jeff Mirzanskey, who is 21 years into his life sentence. Efforts have been afoot to persuade Gov. Jay Nixon (D) to commute his sentence, but he has yet to do so.</p><p><strong>Medical Marijuana</strong></p><p><a href="http://www.politico.com/story/2015/02/pot-lobby-vows-to-blunt-wasserman-schultz-115308.html" target="_blank">Activists Target Wasserman Schultz Over Medical Marijuana Stance</a>. Democratic National Committee Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz wants to move over to the US Senate, but she won&#39;t be getting any help from medical marijuana supporters. She opposed last year&#39;s medical marijuana initiative, and that has angered advocates. &quot;She&#39;s voted repeatedly to send terminally ill patients to prison. And we&#39;re certainly going to make sure Floridians know that -- not to mince words,&quot; said Bill Piper, national affairs director with the Washington-based Drug Policy Alliance (DPA). DPA has been joined by People United for Medical Marijuana in Florida, the Marijuana Policy Project, and Americans for Safe Access in coming out against Wasserman Schultz. She opposed last year&#39;s medical marijuana initiative.</p><p><a href="http://www.thecannabist.co/2015/02/18/colorado-medical-marijuana-sunset-review-gets-initial-senate-approval/29984/" target="_blank">Colorado Bill to Regulate Medical Marijuana Gets Stripped Down</a>. The bill, <a href="http://bit.ly/1vGEuht" target="_blank">Senate Bill 115</a>, which seeks to make the state&#39;s medical marijuana system more like its recreational system, won preliminary approval in the Senate Wednesday, but only after some of its more controversial proposals were stripped out. Now absent from the bill are a move to crackdown on medical caregiver growers and rules requiring marijuana edibles to be refrigerated. The measure now renews the medical marijuana regulations that were passed in 2010.</p><p><a href="http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/health/3682043-north-dakota-lawmakers-vote-down-bill-legalize-medical-marijuana" target="_blank">North Dakota Medical Marijuana Bill Defeated</a>. A bill that would have brought medical marijuana to the Northern Plains was defeated in the House Wednesday on a vote of 26-67. The bill, House Bill 1430, was opposed by Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem, who warned of public safety and regulatory concerns and called it a step backward in fighting impaired driving.</p><p><strong>Asset Forfeiture</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.aclu.org/criminal-law-reform/new-bill-would-end-policing-profit-new-mexico" target="_blank">New Mexico Asset Forfeiture Reform Bill Filed</a>. Rep. Zachary Cook (R-Ruidoso) has introduced a bill that would end civil asset forfeiture in the state. The bill is supported by an ideologically diverse range of organizations including the Rio Grande Foundation, the Institute for Justice, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico, and the New Mexico Drug Policy Alliance. It does not yet have a bill number and is not yet available on the legislative web site.</p><p><a href="http://trib.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/lobbyists-wyoming-lawmakers-push-for-veto-override-on-asset-forfeiture/article_5b789139-04d3-5afb-8a33-49b3cde33f7a.html" target="_blank">Wyoming Legislators Prepare to Try to Override Governor&#39;s Veto of Asset Forfeiture Reform Bill</a>. Gov. Matt Mead (R) vetoed a bill that would have ended civil asset forfeiture in the state Tuesday, but the bill passed by a veto-proof margin, and now legislators and bill supporters are angling for an override vote. The measure, <a href="http://legisweb.state.wy.us/2015/Enroll/SF0014.pdf" target="_blank">Senate File 14</a>, passed the Senate 26-3 and the House 54-6.</p><p><strong>Undertreatment of Pain</strong></p><p><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/veterans-struggle-to-renew-their-prescriptions-amid-new-opioid-rules/2015/02/18/4d42d63a-acb3-11e4-9c91-e9d2f9fde644_story.html" target="_blank">New Federal Opiate Prescription Rules Are Causing Problems for Veterans</a>. Restrictions on prescription opiates adopted last summer by the DEA are causing hardships for veterans, the <em>Washington Post</em> reports in a lengthy piece. And it&#39;s not just veterans, but they&#39;re being hit particularly hard. Click on the link for much more.</p><p><strong>Sentencing</strong></p><p><a href="https://gma.yahoo.com/former-federal-judge-regrets-55-marijuana-sentence-012200265--abc-news-topstories.html" target="_blank">Former Federal Judge Regrets 55-Year Sentence for Pot Dealer</a>. Utah resident Weldon Angelos has already spent more than a decade in federal prison after being convicted of three marijuana sales while he had a pistol in his sock. That pistol led to consecutive mandatory minimum sentences resulting in a whopping 55 years in prison for the aspiring rapper. Now, Paul Cassell, the then federal judge who sentenced him, wishes he had a do over. &quot;I do think about Angelos,&quot; he said. &quot;I sometimes drive near the prison where he&#39;s held, and I think, &#39;Gosh he shouldn&#39;t be there. Certainly not as long as I had to send him there... That wasn&#39;t the right thing to do. The system forced me to do it. I think that most of the time, our federal justice system succeeds,&quot; Cassell continued. &quot;But there are some cases where it fails and the Angelos case is a prime example of that. I thought the sentence was utterly unjust to Weldon Angelos, but also unjust to the taxpayer,&quot; Cassell pointed out. &quot;I think it&#39;s just a waste of resources to lock him up for 55 years, I don&#39;t really think anyone believes that&#39;s an appropriate sentence.&quot;</p><p><a href="https://www.aclu.org/criminal-law-reform/poll-results-most-utahns-favor-dropping-penalties-drug-possession-want-drug-user" target="_blank">Utah Ready for Drug Defelonization, Poll Finds</a>. Strong majorities of Utahns favor defelonizing drug possession offenses, according to a new survey from Public Policy Polling. Some 58% support defelonization, while 59% said probation and community-based drug treatment were more appropriate than jail for being caught with small amounts of drugs. The poll comes as a defelonization bill, <a href="http://le.utah.gov/~2015/bills/static/HB0348.html" target="_blank">House Bill 348</a>, is introduced today.</p><p><strong>International</strong></p><p><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/nick-clegg/11423488/Nick-Clegg-backs-cannabis-use-for-medicinal-purposes.html" target="_blank">UK Liberal Democrat Leader Supports Medical Marijuana</a>. Nick Clegg, head of the Liberal Democrats, the junior partner in a governing coalition with the Conservatives, has said people should be able to use marijuana to alleviate medical problems. &quot;I strongly agree that where there is a proven medicinal use for cannabis for instance we should make that easier for those to have access to it in a straightforward legal way in order to alleviate the symptoms that you clearly have that you know as a user are alleviated by the use of cannabis,&quot; he said. &quot;Let&#39;s take a more intelligent approach -- where there is a clear medicinal use, make sure you have access to that in a regulated way.&quot; This is yet one more way that the Lib Dems and the Tories are at odds on drug policy.</p><p><em>This article was published by StoptheDrugWar.org&#39;s lobbying arm, the Drug Reform Coordination Network, which also shares the cost of maintaining this web site. DRCNet Foundation takes no positions on candidates for public office, in compliance with section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and does not pay for reporting that could be interpreted or misinterpreted as doing so.)</em></p> </div>
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http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/2015/feb/19/chronicle_am_more_co_lawsuits_20#comments2016Asset ForfeitureDEADecriminalizationGun PolicyMandatory MinimumsMarijuana -- Personal UseMarijuana IndustryMarijuana LegalizationMedical MarijuanaNews BriefPollingPublic OpinionState & Local LegislaturesUnder-treatment of PainThu, 19 Feb 2015 23:18:22 +0000psmith31317 at http://stopthedrugwar.orgChronicle AM: CO 2014 Legal Pot Sales at $700 Million, Kettle Falls 5 Will Go to Trial, More (2/13/15)http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/2015/feb/13/chronicle_am_co_2014_legal_pot_s
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<p>Final marijuana sales figures are in for Colorado, twin legalization bills are filed in Maryland, a second Ohio legalization initiative campaign gets underway, a federal judge orders the Kettle Falls Five to trial, and more. Let&#39;s get to it:</p><p>[image:1 align:left]<strong>Marijuana Policy</strong></p><p><a href="http://www.thecannabist.co/2015/02/12/colorado-marijuana-sales-2014-700-million/27565/" target="_blank">$700 Million in Legal Weed Sales for Colorado Last Year</a>. According to the state Department of Revenue, total legal marijuana sales in 2014 amounted to $699,198,805. That&#39;s $385.9 million for medical marijuana and $313.2 million for recreational weed. Since 2014 was the rollout year for legal recreational marijuana sales in the state, look for that figure to increase next year.</p><p><a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/news/2015/02/13/general-assembly-bill-would-regulate-and-tax.html" target="_blank">Maryland Legalization Bills Introduced</a>. Identical bills to tax, regulate, and legalize marijuana were filed in the state House and Senate last week. Sen. Jamie Raskin (D-Montgomery County) and Del. Curt Anderson (D-Baltimore) filed the bills, which would allow adults 21 and over to possess up to an ounce and grow six plants at their homes and set up a system of regulated marijuana commerce. The Senate version is <a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2015RS/bills/sb/sb0531f.pdf" target="_blank">Senate Bill 531</a>; the House version is House Bill 911.</p><p><a href="http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/legislation/2015/HB0618.html" target="_blank">New Hampshire Decriminalization Bill Gets Hearing Tuesday</a>. There will be a public hearing on <a href="http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/legislation/2015/HB0618.html" target="_blank">House Bill 618</a> Tuesday, as well as pre-hearing press conference. The press conference is at 1:30pm and the hearing is at 2:30pm. The bill would decriminalize the possession of an ounce or less and make growing six or fewer plants a misdemeanor.</p><p><a href="http://www.dispatch.com/content/blogs/the-daily-briefing/2015/02/02.12.2015-another-marijuana-issue.html" target="_blank">Second Ohio Legalization Initiative Coming</a>. A second Ohio group wants to put legalization on the 2016 ballot. <a href="http://responsibleohioans.org/" target="_blank">Responsible Ohioans for Cannabis</a> is turning in a ballot petition and 1,000 preliminary signatures today for its proposed <a href="http://responsibleohioans.org/amendment/the-end-ohio-cannabis-prohibition-act-summary/" target="_blank">constitutional amendment</a> to legalize marijuana. The amendment would legalize marijuana for those 18 and older, allow for marijuana commerce, and allow non-commercial grows of up to 99 plants and possession of up to 99 pounds. Another group, <a href="http://responsibleohio.org/" target="_blank">Responsible Ohio</a>, is also in the early stages of its petition drive. The Responsible Ohio measure would set up 10 designated commercial grows and has no provision for home grows.</p><p><strong>Medical Marijuana</strong></p><p><a href="http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2015/feb/13/judge-rejects-kettle-falls-five-marijuana" target="_blank">Federal Judge Rejects &quot;Kettle Falls 5&quot; Request to Throw Out Charges</a>. Five Washington state medical marijuana patients being prosecuted by federal authorities will have to go to trial. A federal judge Thursday refused to dismiss the criminal case against them, even though the prosecution appears to violate Justice Department guidelines for medical marijuana prosecutions and even though marijuana is now legal in their state.</p><p><strong>Drug Testing</strong></p><p><a href="http://www.loganbanner.com/news/news/151824217/Pilot-program-for-drug-testing-welfare-recipients-proposed" target="_blank">West Virginia Food Stamps Drug Testing Bill Filed</a>. After a month of deliberations, the state Senate Committee on Health and Human Resources has announced a bill that would create a one-year pilot program in which food stamp applicants in three counties would be subject to screening for drug use and some would be required to take and pass drug tests at their own expense. The measure is <a href="http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2015_SESSIONS/RS/Bills/hb2021%20intr.htm" target="_blank">House Bill 2021</a>.</p><p><strong>Sentencing</strong></p><p><a href="http://californianewswire.com/2015/02/13/CNW23589_113533.php/calif-senator-mendoza-bill-protects-children-from-drug-trafficking-manufacturing-near-schools-sb-212/" target="_blank">California Bill Would Hike Penalties for School Zone Drug Sales</a>. State Sen. Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia) has filed <a href="http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/15-16/bill/sen/sb_0201-0250/sb_212_bill_20150211_introduced.html" target="_blank">Senate Bill 212</a>, which would add three, four, or five years to sentences for drug sales or manufacturing within 1,000 feet of a school or preschool. The bill would also extend existing school zone law to include private property within the zone.</p><p><strong>International</strong></p><p><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/feb/13/garlands-nightclub-raided-liverpool-closed-after-140-police-officer-drugs-raid" target="_blank">Massive Raid on Liverpool Nightclub</a>. Garlands nightclub, one of the city&#39;s oldest and most popular, has been shut down after a massive police raid Thursday night. More than 140 officers stormed the club after a months-long investigation into drug sales at the venue. Police were seeking a court hearing today to shut it down permanently. More than 300 revelers were evicted from the club before police searched it. Police said they found large quantities of drugs on the scene, but only arrested two men.</p> </div>
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http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/2015/feb/13/chronicle_am_co_2014_legal_pot_s#comments2016Drug Free ZonesFederal CourtsMarijuana -- Personal UseMedical MarijuanaNews BriefState & Local LegislaturesFri, 13 Feb 2015 22:43:28 +0000psmith31310 at http://stopthedrugwar.orgChronicle AM: Drug Czar Confirmed; ME, OH Pot Initiatives Get Going; WY Asset Forfeiture Reform, More (2/10/15)http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/2015/feb/10/chronicle_am_drug_czar_confirmed
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<p>2016 marijuana legalization initiative efforts are taking first steps in Maine and Ohio, Alaska lawmakers try to deal with implementing legalization there, Wyoming passes a bill ending civil asset forfeiture reform, CBD medical marijuana bills are moving in Virginia, we have a new drug czar, and more. Let&#39;s get to it:</p><p>[image:1 align:left caption:true]<strong>Marijuana Policy</strong></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.adn.com/article/20150209/alaska-lawmakers-consider-new-draft-marijuana-bill" target="_blank">Alaska Lawmakers Continue to Struggle With Implementing Legalization</a></strong>. The Senate Judiciary Committee is now considering a new version of its bill to implement marijuana legalization after an earlier version was criticized for only providing a defense in court for marijuana possession instead of legalizing it outright, as voters envisioned when they passed the legalization initiative last fall. The new version simply removes marijuana, hash, and hash oil from the state&#39;s controlled substances laws. Use of marijuana would still be illegal in some circumstances, including while driving and on ski lifts. The committee was set to take up the bill today.</p><p><strong><a href="http://www.pressherald.com/2015/02/10/group-submits-citizens-initiative-to-legalize-marijuana-in-maine/" target="_blank">Maine Group Submits Legalization Initiative for 2016</a></strong>. One of the groups interested in putting a legalization initiative on the 2016 ballot has filed its initiative with the secretary of state&#39;s office. <a href="http://www.legalizemaine.net/" target="_blank">Legalize Maine</a> is first off the blocks in the state and claims it will make Maine &quot;the first state with a home grown group leading the charge to have local people and small farmers benefit from legalizing marijuana.&quot; Legalize Maine&#39;s initiative would allow adults 21 and older to possess 2.5 ounces of marijuana outside of their homes, require that 40% of cultivation licenses go to small-scale farmers, and allow marijuana social clubs, where people could buy and use the drug. It would also tax marijuana sales at 10%, a higher rate than the one that applies to prepared food, lodging and liquor. The Washington, DC-based <a href="http://www.legalizemaine.net/" target="_blank">Marijuana Policy Project</a> is also looking at a legalization initiative in the state. Initiatives will need some 61,000 valid voter signatures to qualify for the ballot.</p><p><strong><a href="http://www.newsnet5.com/news/local-news/cleveland-metro/ohio-group-takes-steps-towards-placing-question-on-the-ballot-seeking-legalization-of-marijuana" target="_blank">Ohio Legalization Group in First Phase of Initiative Signature-Gathering</a></strong>. <a href="http://responsibleohio.com/" target="_blank">Responsible Ohio</a> has released summary petition language for its proposed 2016 legalization initiative. The group now needs to file 1,000 valid voter signatures with the attorney general&#39;s office for this first phase of the initiative process. The group&#39;s plan is for 10 sites in the state to be allowed to grow marijuana commercially. The marijuana would then be quality-tested and distributed to state-regulated dispensaries (for patients) and retail marijuana stores. Marijuana would be taxed at 15%. There appears to be no provision for home cultivation. If approved for general circulation, the petition would need 305,000 valid voter signatures to qualify for the November 2016 ballot.</p><p><strong>Medical Marijuana</strong></p><p><strong><a href="http://wtkr.com/2015/02/10/house-approves-cannabis-oil-bill/" target="_blank">Virginia House Approves CBD Cannabis Oil Bill</a></strong>. The House of Delegates today approved <a href="http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?151+sum+HB1445" target="_blank">House Bill 1445</a> on a vote of 98-1. Similar legislation has already passed the Senate. The bills would allow for the use of cannabis oil for children suffering medical conditions that bring on life-threatening seizures.</p><p><strong>Hemp</strong></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.capitalpress.com/Oregon/20150209/states-first-industrial-hemp-license-goes-to-a-southern-oregon-man" target="_blank">Southern Oregon Farmer Gets First Hemp License</a></strong>. Edgar Winter, an Eagle Point farmer, has obtained the state&#39;s first license to produce industrial hemp and says he and a nonprofit group intend to plant 25 acres in hemp this spring. That&#39;s if they can get the seeds, which requires the approval of the DEA. Stay tuned.</p><p><strong>Asset Forfeiture</strong></p><p><strong><a href="http://trib.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/civil-asset-forfeiture-bill-passes-wyoming-house/article_2079fd2f-5438-5dcb-8731-88b9bc88488d.html" target="_blank">Wyoming House Passes Bill Ending Civil Asset Forfeiture</a></strong>. A bill requiring that an individual be convicted of a drug felony before his property could be seized passed the House yesterday. <a href="http://legisweb.state.wy.us/2015/Introduced/SF0014.pdf" target="_blank_">Senate File 14</a> passed the Senate earlier in the session. It&#39;s the first bill to make it through the state legislature this year. No word yet on if the governor plans to sign or veto it.</p><p><strong>Harm Reduction</strong></p><p><strong><a href="http://nchrc.org/" target="_blank"><strong>Lives Saved By Miracle Drug Naloxone Pass 300 in North Carolina</strong></a></strong>. The <a href="http://www.nchrc.org/" target="_blank">North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition</a> has received a report of the 300th state drug overdose reversed by the opiate overdose reversal drug naloxone. In the past year and a half, the coalition has distributed more than 7,300 naloxone kits through a network of staff, consultants, and volunteers. The coalition has also been instrumental in getting law enforcement on board with naloxone. Nine departments in the state currently carry naloxone.</p><p><strong>Law Enforcement</strong></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.theweedblog.com/show-me-cannabis-files-lawsuits-against-three-missouris-drug-task-forces/" target="_blank">Missouri Activists File Lawsuits Against Drug Task Forces</a></strong>. <a href="http://www.show-mecannabis.com/" target="_blank">Show Me Cannabis</a> has filed lawsuits against three Missouri drug task forces, accusing them of failing to comply with the state&#39;s Sunshine Law. &quot;Missouri&#39;s drug task forces, who are trusted to enforce the law, routinely act as though they are themselves above it,&quot; plaintiff Aaron Malin said. &quot;The citizens of Missouri have a fundamental right to know what their government is doing on their behalf, and that is why the Sunshine Law was enacted. Missouri&#39;s drug task forces have repeatedly ignored their legal obligations, and today we are taking them to court to force them to follow the law.&quot; Read the complaint and related documents <a href="http://www.show-mecannabis.com/Media/Press" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p><strong>Drug Policy</strong></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.drugpolicy.org/news/2015/02/us-senate-confirms-michael-botticelli-white-house-drug-czar" target="_blank">Michael Botticelli Confirmed as Drug Czar</a></strong>. The Senate last night confirmed acting drug czar Michael Botticelli as the new head of the Office of National Drug Control Policy. He had served as the office&#39;s deputy director and before that, he spent nearly two decades overseeing substance abuse programs for the state of Massachusetts. &quot;Michael Botticelli represents, in many ways, a significant improvement on all his predecessors as drug czar,&quot; said Ethan Nadelmann, executive director of the Drug Policy Alliance. &quot;It&#39;s not just that he comes from a public health background but that he seems truly committed to advancing more science-based and compassionate drug policies where the politics allow. What he most needs to do now is shed the political blinders that impel him both to defend marijuana prohibition and close his eyes to highly successful harm reduction measures abroad.&quot;</p><p><strong>International</strong></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/feb/10/clegg-to-address-drug-reform-conference" target="_blank">British Parliamentary Conference Will Discuss Drug Policy Alternatives</a></strong>. A conference next month hosted by the parliament&#39;s House of Commons Home Affairs Committee will discuss alternatives to Britain&#39;s much criticized drug laws and how to influence the looming international debate on drugs. It will feature a leading Liberal Democrat, officials from Mexico&#39;s foreign ministry, and harsh critics of the drug war status quo, including Danny Kushlick of <a href="http://www.tdpf.org.uk/" target="_blank_">Transform</a>, and former Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs head Prof. David Nutt.</p> </div>
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http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/2015/feb/10/chronicle_am_drug_czar_confirmed#comments2016Asset ForfeitureCongressHempMarijuana -- Personal UseMarijuana IndustryMarijuana LegalizationMedical MarijuanaNews BriefONDCPOverdose PreventionState & Local LegislaturesTask ForcesTue, 10 Feb 2015 22:51:57 +0000psmith31304 at http://stopthedrugwar.orgSeven States That Are Next In Line to Legalize Marijuana [FEATURE]http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/2015/jan/26/seven_states_are_next_line_legal
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<p><em>Written in partnership with <a href="http://www.alternet.org/drugs" target="_blank">Alternet</a> and originally published <a href="http://www.alternet.org/drugs/next-seven-states-legalize-pot" target="_blank">here</a>.</em></p><p>[image:1 align:left caption:true]During a series of YouTube interviews Thursday, President Obama demonstrated a remarkably laissez-faire attitude toward marijuana legalization experiments in the states. And he signaled strongly that the Obama administration wouldn&#39;t be taking to the hustings to try to beat back legalization efforts, as previous administrations had been wont to do.</p><p>&quot;What you&#39;re seeing now is Colorado, Washington through state referenda, they&#39;re experimenting with legal marijuana,&quot; the president said in response to a question from YouTube host Hank Green. &quot;The position of my administration has been that we still have federal laws that classify marijuana as an illegal substance, but we&#39;re not going to spend a lot of resources trying to turn back decisions that have been made at the state level on this issue. My suspicion is that you&#39;re gonna see other states start looking at this.&quot;</p><p>Indeed. Legalization bills are already popping up in state legislatures around the country, and while it&#39;s unlikely -- though not impossible -- that any of them will pass this year, 2016 looks to be the breakout year for freeing the weed. One state is going to be the first to legalize it through the legislature, and next year seems reasonable. And the presidential election year is also likely to see successful legalization initiatives in several more.</p><p>Currently four states -- Alaska, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington -- and the District of Columbia have ended pot prohibition. But that&#39;s only about 18 million people. By the time they quit counting the votes on Election Day 2016, that number is likely to triple, and then some.</p><p>So, where&#39;s it going to happen? Here&#39;s where:</p><p><strong>California</strong></p><p>That California is the only state on the West Coast to not yet have legalized pot is an embarrassment to Golden State activists. They were first with medical marijuana in 1996, and they tried to be first to legalize it with Prop 19 in 2010, but came up short, garnering 46% of the vote on Election Day despite leading in the polls up until the final weeks. In 2012, with the big players sitting on their cash stashes, none of the competing initiative efforts even managed to make the ballot.</p><p>It will be different in 2016. The actors with deep pockets are all ready to get involved next year, the polling is good (if not great, hovering in the mid-50s), and the state&#39;s disparate and fractious cannabis community is already working to forge a unified front behind a community-vetted initiative. The main vehicle for activists is the California <a href="http://www.cannabispolicyreform.org/" target="_blank">Coalition for Cannabis Law Reform</a>, which has already started holding meetings statewide to try to a unified marijuana reform community.</p><p>[image:2 align:right caption:true]With 38 million people, California is the big prize. It&#39;s also an expensive place to run an initiative, with the cost of getting on the ballot alone at around a million dollars. And it&#39;ll take several million more to pay for advertising in the key final weeks of the campaign. But the money is lining up, it&#39;ll take fewer signatures to qualify for the ballot (thanks to the dismal turnout in last year&#39;s midterms), and once it qualifies, it will have momentum from (by then) four years of legalization in Colorado and Washington and two years of it in Alaska and Oregon. California will go green in 2016.</p><p><strong>Nevada</strong></p><p>Nevada is the state that is actually furthest down the path towards legalizing it next year. The Marijuana Policy Project-backed <a href="http://www.regulatemarijuanainnevada.org/" target="_blank">Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol in Nevada</a> has <em>already</em> qualified a legalization initiative for the 2016 ballot. It would legalize the possession of up to an ounce by adults 21 and over and allow for taxed and regulated marijuana commerce.</p><p>Under Nevada law, the legislature now has a chance to approve the initiative. If it does so, it would become law; if it rejects it or fails to act on it, it then goes to the voters on Election Day 2016.</p><p>Nevadans approved medical marijuana in 1998 (59%) and again in 2000 (65%), but voted down decriminalization in 2002 (39%) and legalization in 2006 (44%). But it has since then effectively decriminalized possession of less than ounce, and it&#39;s now been a decade since that last legalization initiative loss at the polls. Either marijuana will be legal by Election Day 2016 thanks to the legislature or the voters will decide the question themselves at the polls.</p><p><strong>Arizona</strong></p><p>In Arizona, possession of any amount of pot is still a felony, but <a href="http://www.mpp.org/states/arizona/" target="_blank">polling in the last couple of years</a> shows support for legalization either hovering around 50% or above it. Those aren&#39;t the most encouraging polling numbers -- the conventional wisdom is that initiatives want to start out at 60% support or better -- but a serious effort is underway there to put the issue before the voters in 2016.</p><p>The Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) is teaming with <a href="http://saferarizona.com/" target="_blank">Safer Arizona</a> and other state activist groups for the 2016 initiative campaign and has <a href="http://blog.mpp.org/tax-and-regulate/arizona-marijuana-advocates-advance-2016-initiative/09232014/" target="_blank">formed a ballot committee</a> to begin laying the groundwork for a Colorado-style initiative.</p><p>The initiative language is not a done deal, and there are some signs that local activists aren&#39;t completely happy with MPP&#39;s proposed language, but that&#39;s why there are consultations going on.</p><p><strong>Maine</strong></p><p>The Marijuana Policy Project has been laying the groundwork for a statewide legalization initiative in 2016 with local initiative campaigns in some of the state&#39;s largest cities in 2014 and 2013 and is working on final initiative language now. But it is also seeing competition from a state-based group,<a href="http://www.legalizemaine.net/" target="_blank">Legalize Maine</a>, that says it is crafting its own initiative and is criticizing both MPP and Maine politicians for advancing &quot;out of state corporate interests&quot; at the expense of Mainers.</p><p>Whether MPP and Legalize Maine can get together behind a single initiative remains to be seen. If they can, good; if they can&#39;t, well, Maine is a small and relatively inexpensive state in which to run a signature-gathering campaign. There could be not one, but two legalization initiatives in Maine next year.</p><p>Meanwhile, state Rep. Diane Russell has filed a legalization bill in the legislature this year. Maine is one of the states where the looming presence of legalization initiatives could actually move the legislature to act preemptively to craft a legalization scheme to its own liking.</p><p><strong>Massachusetts</strong></p><p>Massachusetts is another. As in Maine, but to a much greater degree, Bay State activists have been laying the groundwork for legalization for years. Groups such as <a href="http://masscann.org/" target="_blank">MassCann/NORML</a> and the <a href="http://www.dpfmass.org" target="_blank">Drug Policy Forum of Massachusetts</a> have run a series of marijuana reform &quot;public policy questions&quot; in various state electoral districts each election cycle since 2000 -- and they have never lost! The questions are non-binding, but they&#39;re a clear indicator to state legislators where voter sentiment lies.</p><p>The state has also seen successful decriminalization and medical marijuana initiatives, in 2008 and 2012, respectively. In both cases, the initiatives were approved with 63% of the vote. And again as in Maine, the Marijuana Policy Project is organizing an initiative, but local activists with similar complaints to those in Maine are threatening to run their own initiative. Organized as <a href="http://baystaterepeal.org/" target="_blank">Bay State Repeal</a>, which includes some veteran Massachusetts activists, the group says it wants the least restrictive legalization law possible. Whether the two efforts can reach a common understanding remains to be seen.</p><p>[image:3 align:left caption:true]Meanwhile, the issue could move in the legislature in the next two years. New Republican Gov. Charlie Baker says he&#39;s opposed to legalization, but is praising Democratic Senate President Stanley Rosenberg&#39;s decision to appoint a special Senate committee to examine issues around legalization. Rep. David Rogers (D-Cambridge) isn&#39;t waiting. He&#39;s filed a legalization bill, and while previous such bills have languished in the Joint Committee on the Judiciary, incoming committee head Sen. Will Brownberger (D-Boston) has said he will give it a hearing. Something could happen this year, although it&#39;s more likely next year, and the voters doing it themselves on Election Day 2016 is more likely yet.</p><p><strong>Vermont</strong></p><p>Vermont could be the best bet for a state to legalize it this year and for the first state to legalize it through the legislative process. There is no initiative process in the state, so that&#39;s the only way it&#39;s going to happen. And the state has already proceeded well down that path.</p><p>Gov. Peter Shumlin (D) has endorsed legalization in principle -- the devil is the details -- and the legislature last year approved a <a href="https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR864.html" target="_blank">RAND study on the impacts of legalization</a>, which was just released earlier this month. That study estimated that freeing the weed could bring the state $20 to $70 million in annual pot tax revenues.</p><p>Other state officials have expressed openness to the idea, and a <a href="http://www.mpp.org/states/vermont/Castleton-MPP-results.pdf" target="_blank">May 2014 poll</a> found 57% support for legalization. There&#39;s not a bill in the hopper yet this year, but one could move quickly in this state where a lot of the legislative groundwork has already been laid.</p><p>The Marijuana Policy Project has formed the <a href="http://www.regulatevermont.org/" target="_blank">Vermont Coalition to Regulate Marijuana</a> to help push the process along. Stay tuned; this is one to watch.</p><p><strong>Missouri</strong></p><p>And there&#39;s a dark horse in the heartland. The Missouri activist group <a href="http://show-mecannabis.com/" target="_blank">Show Me Cannabis</a> has been running an impressive educational campaign about marijuana legalization for the past few years. The group tried to get an initiative on the ballot last year, but came up short.</p><p>They&#39;ve already filed paperwork for 2016 for a constitutional amendment to make it legal to grow, sell, and use marijuana for people 21 and over.</p><p>One reason Show Me Cannabis came up short in 2014 was the lack of support from major players outside the state. Given the lack of polls showing strong support for legalization, the big players remain sitting on their wallets, but that could change if good poll numbers emerge. And there&#39;s still plenty of time to make the 2016 ballot.</p> </div>
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http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/2015/jan/26/seven_states_are_next_line_legal#comments2016Marijuana -- Personal UseMarijuana IndustryMarijuana LegalizationNews FeatureState & Local Executive BranchesState & Local LegislaturesMon, 26 Jan 2015 19:33:57 +0000psmith31285 at http://stopthedrugwar.orgChronicle AM: ME Mj Bills, OH Mj Init, VA Heroin Bills, WY Drug & Asset Forfeiture; More (1/20/15)http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/2015/jan/20/chronicle_am_me_mj_bills_oh_mj_i
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<p>State legislative sessions are getting underway, and drug policy-related bills are popping up all over. There&#39;s good, bad, and ugly. Let&#39;s get to it:</p><p>[image:1 align:left caption:true]<strong>Marijuana Policy</strong></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.adn.com/article/20150119/supporters-condemn-legislative-effort-define-delay-marijuana-concentrates" target="_blank">Alaska Bill Would Delay Regulations for Marijuana Concentrates</a></strong>. Rep. Paul Seaton (R-Homer) last Friday filed <a href="https://legiscan.com/AK/text/HB59/2015" target="_blank">House Bill 59</a>, which would delay regulations for concentrates by up to a year. That conflicts with the language of the marijuana legalization initiative, and has legalization supporters unhappy. Click on the story link for more details.</p><p><strong><a href="https://bangordailynews.com/2015/01/19/health/bill-to-limit-drivers-thc-levels-concerns-maine-medical-marijuana-growers" target="_blank">A Big Batch of Pot Bills in Maine</a></strong>. There are at least 15 marijuana-related bills pending before the state legislature, including one that would legalize, tax, and regulate the weed. Rep. Dianne Russell (D-Portland), sponsor of the legalization bill, is also sponsoring four medical marijuana bills. Another bill, sponsored by the Department of Public Safety, would set a limit on the amount of THC drivers could have in their systems. Click on the link for more detail.</p><p><strong><a href="http://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/104/PDF/Intro/LB326.pdf" target="_blank">Nebraska Bill Would Make Pot Concentrates a Felony</a></strong>. The state decriminalized pot possession in the 1970s, but a bill being pushed by the state attorney general&#39;s office, <a href="http://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/104/PDF/Intro/LB326.pdf" target="_blank">LB 326</a>, would begin to undo that by making possession of marijuana concentrates not just a misdemeanor, but a felony, punishable by up to five years in state prison. It&#39;s been referred to the Judiciary Committee.</p><p><strong><a href="http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2015/01/pro-pot_group_responsibleohio.html" target="_blank">Responsible Ohio Lays Out its Vision for Legalization</a></strong>. The group wants to put a constitutional amendment to legalize pot on the November 2015 ballot, and today <a href="http://responsibleohio.org" target="_blank">announced details</a> of its proposal. The initiative would create a Marijuana Control Commission, allow for 10 licensed commercial grows, allow for marijuana manufacturing facilities that would sell only to retailers, allow for nonprofit medical marijuana dispensaries, and would tax marijuana at a 15% rate. Click on either link for more.</p><p><strong>Heroin</strong></p><p><strong><a href="http://wtop.com/virginia/2015/01/virginia-bills-aim-curb-heroin-overdose-deaths" target="_blank">Virginia Legislature Sees Heroin Bills Filed</a></strong>. At least four bills have been filed that seek to address the toll of heroin addiction and overdoses. <a href="http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?151+sum+HB1638" target="_blank">House Bill 1638</a> would make people who provided drugs that resulted in a fatal overdose liable for a second degree murder charge; <a href="http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?151+sum+HB1500" target="_blank"> House Bill 1500</a> is a limited 911 Good Samaritan bill; <a href="http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?151+sum+HB1458" target="_blank">House Bill 1458</a> would expand access to the overdose reversal drug naloxone, and <a href="http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?151+sum+SB817" target="_blank">Senate Bill 817</a> would expand the state&#39;s prescription monitoring program to allow probation and parole officers to access the database.</p><p><strong>Asset Forfeiture</strong></p><p><strong><a href="http://trib.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/asset-forfeiture-bill-heads-to-wyoming-senate-floor-where-lawmakers/article_67c9ccf5-c7be-5dcd-8143-00f91d836562.htm" target="_blank">Wyoming Asset Forfeiture Reform Bill Advances to Senate Floor</a></strong>. A bill that would bar police from seizing people&#39;s property unless they are charged with a felony drug crime passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee Monday and now awaits a Senate floor vote. <a href="http://legisweb.state.wy.us/2015/Introduced/SF0014.pdf" target="_blank">Senate File 14</a> drew late opposition from the offices of Gov. Matt Mead (R) and Attorney General Peter Michael (R), which claimed they would have to charge more people with felonies if they couldn&#39;t just take their money, but legislators expressed irritation at the late objections when the bill has been in process for months.</p><p><strong>Drug Policy</strong></p><p><strong><a href="http://trib.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/another-bill-is-aimed-at-wyoming-drug-statute/article_e430b97d-dd0c-533c-a750-9c4fa7515bc3.html" target="_blank">Wyoming Bill Would Lighten Up on Repeated Drug Possession Punishments</a></strong>. Under current law, people convicted a third time in their lives for misdemeanor drug possession face felony penalties. <a href="http://legisweb.state.wy.us/2015/Introduced/HB0109.pdf" target="_blank">House Bill 109</a> would change state law to make the felony penalties apply on the forth conviction, and the previous convictions would have to have happened in the past five years, instead of throughout the convict&#39;s lifetime, which is current law. There are at least three other bills relating to drug possession before the legislature; click on the title link to read more.</p><p><strong>Drug Testing</strong></p><p><strong><a href="http://helenair.com/news/state-and-regional/bill-aims-to-drug-test-some-montana-welfare-applicants/article_d01470ca-e519-5583-bd01-63f52e262103.html" target="_blank_">Montana Food Stamps Drug Testing Bill Filed</a></strong>. Rep. Randy Pinocci (R-Sun River) Monday filed House Bill 200, which would require all applicants for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF, the food stamps program) to be screened for evidence of drug abuse. Those whose screening suggests a possible issue would be required to undergo a drug test. People who test positive for drugs wouldn&#39;t be allowed to receive benefits unless they agreed to complete a 30-day drug treatment program.</p><p><strong>Harm Reduction</strong></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2015/01/oakland_county_deputies_equipp.html" target="_blank">Michigan Cops Start Carrying Overdose Reversal Drug</a></strong>. Deputies in Oakland County have begun carrying naloxone opioid overdose reversal kits in a bid to reduce overdoses. That was made possible by the passage last year of <a href="http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(0aarxt45pt4wt4453icznmew))/mileg.aspx?page=GetObject&amp;objectname=2014-SB-1049" target="_blank">Senate Bill 1049</a>, which allowed law enforcement agencies to distribute the drug to police who have been trained to use it.</p><p><strong>International</strong></p><p><strong><a href="http://rt.com/news/224295-german-police-petty-crimes" target="_blank">German Cops Tired of Messing Around With Small Time Drug Crimes</a></strong>. The country&#39;s police union is calling for &quot;soft&quot; drug offenses and other minor crimes to be decriminalized so police can focus on serious crime and terrorism. German police are also faced with shrinking numbers due to mandatory retirement of officers.</p> </div>
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http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/2015/jan/20/chronicle_am_me_mj_bills_oh_mj_i#comments2016Asset ForfeitureDrug TestingHeroinMarijuana -- Personal UseMarijuana IndustryNews BriefOverdose PreventionOverdosesSentencingState & Local LegislaturesWelfareTue, 20 Jan 2015 20:39:22 +0000psmith31277 at http://stopthedrugwar.orgMedical Marijuana Updatehttp://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/2015/jan/14/medical_marijuana_update
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<p>The battle over a CBD medical marijuana bill is heating up in Georgia, the Florida medical marijuana initiative returns, California localities continue to deal with dispensary issues, and more. Let&#39;s get to it:</p><p>[image:1 align:left]<strong>California</strong></p><p>Last Friday, <a href="http://www.kerngoldenempire.com/story/d/story/county-suing-five-more-pot-shops/21113/1evq0zKyv0KBqxwI14stNA" target="_blank">Kern County sued to shut down five more dispensaries</a>. That&#39;s makes a least a dozen lawsuits filed against dispensaries by the county. Those hit this time are Genuine Empathy, Greenery Lounge, Organic Caregivers Center, Medical Alternative Supply House Corporation, and Platinum Wellness.</p><p>On Tuesday, <a href="http://www.cbs8.com/story/27842700/legal-medical-marijuana-dispensary-applications-move-forward" target="_blank">the San Diego city council moved forward on dispensary applications</a>. The council rejected appeals of a staff finding that dispensary applications are exempt from provisions of the state&#39;s Environmental Protection Act. This will allow some 40 permit applications to move forward, although it&#39;s unlikely more than a few will be granted. The city does not yet have a legal dispensary, but it has shut down dozens of unpermitted ones.</p><p>Also on Tuesday, <a href="http://www.vibvallejo.com/editorial/shock-and-awe-verder-aliga-breaks-ranks-with-mayor-over-marijuana-11315-city-council" target="_blank">the Vallejo city council voted to ban dispensaries, then voted to regulate them instead</a>. The council first voted 5-2 to ban all dispensaries, then voted 4-3 not to. It then approved a measure to begin the process of regulating dispensaries. The city has about 30 dispensaries now operating, but only 12 are complying with tax and licensing requirements. It&#39;s unclear how many would be allowed under the regulation scheme, but one council member said the proper number was two.</p><p><strong>Connecticut</strong></p><p>On Wednesday,<a href="http://www.courant.com/business/hc-marijuana-physician-recommendation-20150114-story.html" target="_blank">the medical marijuana program&#39;s Board of Physicians recommended expanding the list of qualifying medical conditions</a>. The board voted to include sickle cell disease, chronic back pain after surgery, and severe psoriasis as qualifying conditions for medical marijuana, but not Tourette&#39;s Syndrome. The recommendations now go to the Consumer Protection Commissioner, who would then decide whether to accept the recommendation, then draft a new regulation that would go to another public hearing before going to the General Assembly&#39;s regulation-review committee for a final decision. It could take months or even years.</p><p><strong>Florida</strong></p><p>On Monday.<a href="http://www.newsherald.com/news/government/florida-medical-marijuana-drive-resumes-with-revised-measure-1.423043" target="_blank">the Florida medical marijuana initiative returned</a>. Proponents of last year&#39;s failed medical marijuana initiative have filed a rewritten ballot measure aimed at 2016. &quot;The language and the essence of the amendment is essentially the same,&quot; said John Morgan, the Orlando attorney who chairs <a href="http://www.unitedforcare.org/" target="_blank">People United for Medical Marijuana</a>, and the chief financer of the legalization drive. &quot;What I would say is that we have tweaked or clarified positions that were constantly brought up by our opposition to help us talk more freely about the real issue, which is the legalization of medical marijuana.&quot;</p><p><strong>Georgia</strong></p><p>Last Friday,<a href="http://www.ajc.com/news/news/state-regional-govt-politics/ajc-poll-georgians-back-limited-legalization-of-me/njj7b" target="_blank">a poll found that Georgians back allowing CBD cannabis oil</a>. Some 84% of Georgians support the legalization of low-THC, high-CBD cannabis oils to treat medical conditions, according to a new <em>Atlanta Journal-Constitution</em> poll. The poll also found that when it came to legalizing marijuana for recreational use, Georgians were split almost evenly, with 49% saying legalize it and 48% saying don&#39;t.</p><p>On Monday,<a href="http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/government/2015-01-13/new-wrinkle-ga-marijuana-law" target="_blank">the fight over a CBD medical marijuana bill continued</a>. Rep. Allen Peake (R-Macon) has said he will modify his CBD medical marijuana bill, <a href="http://www.legis.ga.gov/Legislation/en-US/display/20152016/HB/1" target="_blank">House Bill 1</a>, after Gov. Nathan Deal (R) objected to a provision that would allow production of the group in the state. That has supporters of the bill unhappy. They say that because federal law prohibits transporting medical marijuana between states, their medicine will remain out of reach if it cannot be grown in-state.</p><p><em>[For extensive information about the medical marijuana debate, presented in a neutral format, visit <a href="http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/" target="_blank"><em>MedicalMarijuana.ProCon.org</em></a>.</em></p> </div>
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http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/2015/jan/14/medical_marijuana_update#comments2016Marijuana IndustryMedical MarijuanaState & Local Executive BranchesState & Local LegislaturesThu, 15 Jan 2015 02:36:59 +0000psmith31270 at http://stopthedrugwar.orgChronicle AM: DC Challenges Congress on Pot Legalization, ME Welfare Drug Test Plan Approved, More (1/14/15)http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/2015/jan/14/chronicle_am_dc_challenges_congr
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<p>The District of Columbia is challenging Congress on marijuana legalization, Sens. Feinstein and Grassley complain about administration drug policy, a plethora of pot bills have bill filed in Oregon, and more. Let&#39;s get to it:</p><p>[image:1 align:left]<strong>Marijuana Policy</strong></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/dc-challenges-congress-to-halt-marijuana-legalization-in-nations-capital/2015/01/13/e10134ba-9a71-11e4-bcfb-059ec7a93ddc_story.html" target="_blank">DC Sends Legalization Measure to Congress</a></strong>. DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) Tuesday sent to Congress the District&#39;s voter-approved Initiative 71 legalization measure, in effect challenging the body to either block it or let it stand. Mendelson&#39;s move starts a 30-day clock during which time Congress must act or the measure becomes law. In December, Congress voted to block funds to implement the measure, but DC maintains that that move does not stop the District from enacting it. Stay tuned.</p><p><strong><a href="http://www.ktva.com/anchorage-mayor-pushes-to-ban-marijuana-use-in-public-places-956/" target="_blank">Anchorage Mayor Wants to Ban Public Consumption</a></strong>. Mayor Dan Sullivan has proposed an ordinance that would ban pot use in public places. But his plan is running into opposition, with opponents claiming it is too broad. Click on the link for more details.</p><p><strong><a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/mapes/index.ssf/2015/01/a_gusher_of_marijuana_bills_--.html" target="_blank">Oregon Legislature Sees a Bundle of Marijuana Bills</a></strong>. You&#39;d think legalizing marijuana would quiet the issue at the statehouse, but you would be wrong. At least 16 marijuana-related bills were introduced Monday, ranging from limits on physician prescribing to limitations on retail sales locations to warnings to pregnant women, and more. Click on the link for a fuller rundown.</p><p><strong>Medical Marijuana</strong></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.courant.com/business/hc-marijuana-physician-recommendation-20150114-story.html" target="_blank">Connecticut Medical Marijuana Program Recommends Expanding List of Qualifying Conditions</a></strong>. The state&#39;s Medical Marijuana Program Board of Physicians voted today to include sickle cell disease, chronic back pain after surgery, and severe psoriasis as qualifying conditions for medical marijuana, but not Tourette&#39;s Syndrome. The recommendations now go to the Consumer Protection Commissioner, who would then decide whether to accept the recommendation, then draft a new regulation that would go to another public hearing before going to the General Assembly&#39;s regulation-review committee for a final decision. It could take months or even years.</p><p><strong>Drug Policy</strong></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/01/13/dianne-feinstein-charles-grassley_n_6465232.html" target="_blank">Senators Feinstein and Grassley Criticize Obama&#39;s Policy on International Drug Control Treaties</a></strong><em>. </em>Senate octogenarians Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Charles Grassley (R-IA) have teamed up to express their dismay over the Obama administration&#39;s &quot;flexible interpretation&quot; of UN drug control treaties and their concern over whether allowing states to legalize marijuana puts the US in conflict with the treaties. They sent one <a href="http://www.grassley.senate.gov/sites/default/files/news/upload/DF%20and%20CG%20to%20John%20Kerry%20re%20UN%20Conventions%20on%20Narcotic%20Drugs%2C%201-6-15.pdf" target="_blank_">letter to Secretary of State John Kerry</a> and another <a href="http://www.grassley.senate.gov/sites/default/files/news/upload/DF%20and%20CG%20to%20Eric%20Holder%20re%20UN%20Conventions%20on%20Narcotic%20Drugs%2C%201-6-15.pdf" target="_blank_">letter to Attorney General Eric Holder</a>. The co-chairs of the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control complained that administration forbearance in the face of state-level legalization could let states &quot;implement policies that legalize other, even more harmful drugs, without recourse&quot; and that administration approaches to the issue may &quot;weaken US standing as an international leader on drug control issues.&quot;</p><p><strong>Drug Testing</strong></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.wmtw.com/news/LePage-gets-OK-to-drug-test-welfare-applicants/30686262" target="_blank">Maine Governor Gets Go-Ahead for Welfare Drug Testing</a></strong>. Gov. Paul LePage&#39;s (R) plan to begin drug testing some welfare applicants has won final approval from the state attorney general, his office said Tuesday. The state will begin drug-testing convicted drug felons who are applying for or receiving welfare benefits. Those who fail will lose benefits unless they enroll in a drug treatment program. Civil rights and poverty activist groups have criticized the measure as an intrusion on privacy and an attack on poor people.</p><p><strong>Harm Reduction</strong></p><p><strong><a href="https://www.herald-citizen.com/newsx/item/5726-cookeville-pd-undergoes-narcon-training" target="_blank">Tennessee Cops Now Carrying Overdose Reversal Drug</a></strong>. Police in the Volunteer State are now beginning to carry the overdose reversal drug naloxone in a bid to reduce overdose deaths. The first training seminars for law enforcement personnel began last Friday. The move comes after the legislature last year passed a law allowing for broader distribution of the drug, including law enforcement and emergency medical personnel.</p><p><strong>International</strong></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2015/Jan-14/284054-cannabis-cultivation-should-come-with-security-plan-jumblatt.ashx" target="_blank">Walid Jumblatt Again Calls for Lebanese Hash Legalization, Cites Terror Fight</a></strong>. Senior Druse leader and Lebanese MP Walid Jumblatt has reiterated his call to legalize the hash trade in the country and he has tied it the country&#39;s fight against terrorism. The government needs to increase security and stability in the Bekaa Valley, a leading hash cultivation area, he said. &quot;The treatment cannot be a security one only, but it should be backed by development (projects), and thus I still believe that the cultivation of hashish should be legalized because the theory of alternative crops has failed,&quot; Jumblatt said.</p> </div>
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http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/2015/jan/14/chronicle_am_dc_challenges_congr#comments2014CongressDrug TestingExecutive BranchHashishMarijuana -- Personal UseMarijuana LegalizationMedical MarijuanaNews BriefOverdose PreventionOverdosesState & Local Executive BranchesState & Local LegislaturesWelfareWed, 14 Jan 2015 20:46:53 +0000psmith31268 at http://stopthedrugwar.orgDC Councilmembers File Bill to Tax and Regulate Marijuanahttp://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/2015/jan/12/dc_council_marijuana_legalization_bill
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<p>In a pointed message to the Congress, DC councilmembers last week introduced a bill that would tax and regulate marijuana sales in the nation&#39;s capital. The move comes despite passage of a federal spending bill that included an amendment barring the District from spending local or federal funds to implement such a law.</p><p>[image:1 align:left]Last November, District voters overwhelmingly approved <a href="http://dcmj.org/ballot-initiative/" target="_blank">Initiative 71</a>, which legalized the possession and cultivation of small amounts of marijuana, but not the regulated sale and taxation of it. That&#39;s because DC law forbids voter initiatives from addressing tax issues.</p><p>The city council, which already approved decriminalization last year, has been prepared all along to consider a taxation and regulation bill to turn Initiative 71 into full-blown legalization. And despite the move by some Republicans in Congress to try to erase November&#39;s District election results, the council is undeterred.</p><p>Councilmember David Grosso and three colleagues have introduced the <a href="http://lims.dccouncil.us/Download/33216/B21-0023-Introduction.pdf" target="_blank">Marijuana Legalization and Regulation Act of 2015</a> (B21-0023), which would create a framework for a legal marijuana industry, complete with licensed cultivators, product manufacturers, retail stores, and testing labs.</p><p>An earlier version of the bill, the <a href="http://lims.dccouncil.us/Legislation/B20-0466" target="_blank">Marijuana Legalization and Regulation Act of 2013</a>, got as far as a public hearing in October, before the election. But it has now been superseded in part by Initiative 71 and by the new bill.</p><p>With Republicans now in control of both houses of Congress, efforts to quash the District&#39;s efforts to end pot prohibition are bound to continue -- even though even some Republicans are now leery of blocking the democratic expression of the will of District voters. But like the District&#39;s new mayor, Muriel Bowser, who is vowing to push ahead with Initiative 71, the DC council appears ready to take the fight wherever it leads.</p> </div>
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http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/2015/jan/12/dc_council_marijuana_legalization_bill#comments2014CongressDecriminalizationMarijuana -- Personal UseMarijuana IndustryMarijuana LegalizationNews BriefState & Local LegislaturesWed, 14 Jan 2015 19:44:46 +0000psmith31264 at http://stopthedrugwar.orgChronicle AM: CA Tribe Will Grow Pot, Call for Asset Forfeiture Reform, KY Heroin Bill Moves, More (1/12/15)http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/2015/jan/12/chronicle_am_ca_tribe_will_grow
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<p>A California tribe looks to be the first to grow marijuana, DC councilmembers move ahead with plans to tax and regulate pot, key congressional committee chairs call for asset forfeiture reform, an omnibus heroin bill is on the move in Kentucky, and more. Let&#39;s get to it:</p><p>[image:1 align:left caption:true]<strong>Marijuana Policy</strong></p><p><strong><a href="http://wuwm.com/post/milwaukee-lawmakers-look-lower-marijuana-fines" target="_blank">Milwaukee Aldermen Want to Make Pot Ticket A $5 Fine or Less</a></strong>. If you get caught with marijuana in Milwaukee right now, you face a fine of between $250 and $500 -- and a trip to jail if you don&#39;t pay the fine. Two Aldermen think that&#39;s too much. Nik Kovac and Ashanti Hamilton are proposing lowering the fine to $5 or less. <em>&quot;</em>We are effectively trying to eliminate any of these tickets,&quot; Kovac said, citing racial disparities in marijuana arrests. Although the city&#39;s black and white populations are roughly equal, five times as many black people were arrested for possession of marijuana last year as white people.</p><p><strong><a href="http://www.mlive.com/lansing-news/index.ssf/2015/01/poll_marijuana_legalization_ta.html" target="_blank">Half of Michiganders Support Marijuana Legalization</a></strong>. Michigan is evenly divided on marijuana legalization, with 50% saying they would support an initiative allowing possession by adults and taxable sales at state-regulated stores, and 46% saying they opposed such an idea. The figures come from a new poll conducted by <a href="http://epicmra.com/" target="_blank">EPIC-MRA of Lansing</a>. A similar poll last year had support at 47%. The trend is upward, but the numbers aren&#39;t high enough to excite deep-pocketed potential initiative backers; the conventional wisdom is that initiatives should be polling at 60% or more when the campaign begins.</p><p><strong><a href="http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/2015/jan/12/dc_councilmembers_file_bill_tax" target="_blank_">DC Councilmembers File Bill to Tax and Regulate Marijuana</a></strong>. In a pointed message to the Congress, DC councilmembers last week introduced a bill that would tax and regulate marijuana sales in the nation&#39;s capital. The move comes despite passage of a federal spending bill that included an amendment barring the District from spending local or federal funds to implement such a law. Councilmember David Grosso and three colleagues have introduced the <a href="http://lims.dccouncil.us/Download/33216/B21-0023-Introduction.pdf">Marijuana Legalization and Regulation Act of 2015</a> (B21-0023), which would create a framework for a legal marijuana industry, complete with licensed cultivators, product manufacturers, retail stores, and testing labs.</p><p><strong><a href="http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20150112/NEWS01/150119788" target="_blank">Washington State Legislators Face Plethora of Pot Bills</a></strong>. Voting to legalize marijuana in 2012 was not the end for marijuana policy at the state legislature, but a new beginning. This week, at least seven marijuana-related bills have been filed as the session gets underway. A pair of bills seeks to resolve the problems with the fit between recreational and medical marijuana, another bill would raise the excise tax, yet another addresses organ transplant eligibility, while another would bar open containers in moving vehicles. Click on the link for more details and all the bill numbers.</p><p><strong><a href="http://www.macon.com/2015/01/08/3519720/ballot-war-over-marijuana-legalization.html" target="_blank">A Second Ohio Legalization Initiative Campaign Emerges</a></strong>. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/legalizeoh2016" target="_blank">Ohioans to End Prohibition</a> has become the second group to plan a 2016 legalization initiative in the Buckeye State. The group is finalizing language for its Cannabis Control Amendment within the next few weeks. Already out of the gate is <a href="http://responsibleohioans.org/" target="_blank">Responsible Ohio</a>, whose <a href="http://responsibleohioans.org/amendment/" target="_blank" title="The End Ohio Cannabis Prohibition Act">End Ohio Cannabis Prohibition Act (EOCPA)</a> would set up 10 authorized marijuana growing locations around the state.</p><p><strong><a href="http://www.pressdemocrat.com/news/3352320-181/ukiah-pomos-to-establish-states" target="_blank">Northern California Tribe Could Be First to Grow Pot</a></strong>. The Pinoleville Pomo Nation in Mendocino County, California, said last Thursday it had signed a contract to grow thousands of marijuana plants on its 99-acre rancheria (reservation) north of Ukiah. The Justice Department recently gave the okay for marijuana operations on tribal lands, and it looks like the Pomos are first off the blocks.</p><p><strong>Medical Marijuana</strong></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.newsherald.com/news/government/florida-medical-marijuana-drive-resumes-with-revised-measure-1.423043" target="_blank">Florida Medical Marijuana Initiative is Back</a></strong>. Proponents of last year&#39;s failed medical marijuana initiative have filed a rewritten ballot measure aimed at 2016. &quot;The language and the essence of the amendment is essentially the same,&quot; said John Morgan, the Orlando attorney who chairs <a href="http://www.unitedforcare.org/" target="_blank">People United for Medical Marijuana</a>, and the chief financer of the legalization drive. &quot;What I would say is that we have tweaked or clarified positions that were constantly brought up by our opposition to help us talk more freely about the real issue, which is the legalization of medical marijuana.&quot;</p><p><strong><a href="http://www.ajc.com/news/news/state-regional-govt-politics/ajc-poll-georgians-back-limited-legalization-of-me/njj7b" target="_blank">Poll Finds Georgians Back Allowing CBD Cannabis Oil</a></strong>. Some 84% of Georgians support the legalization of low-THC, high-CBD cannabis oils to treat medical conditions, according to a new <em>Atlanta Journal-Constitution</em> poll. The poll also found that when it came to legalizing marijuana for recreational use, Georgians were split almost evenly, with 49% saying legalize it and 48% saying don&#39;t.</p><p><strong>Heroin</strong></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.kentucky.com/2015/01/08/3629952_senate-may-take-up-bill-to-combat.html" target="_blank_">Kentucky Omnibus Heroin Bill Passes Senate</a></strong>. A multi-pronged bill designed to address the state&#39;s heroin problem passed the Senate in three days. The measure would increase treatment, prevention, and overdose prevention measures, but would also increase penalties for some heroin offenses. Democrats in the House said they will pass a similar measure, but probably without the mandatory minimum prison sentences approved in the Senate version.</p><p><strong>International</strong></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.biznews.com/health/2015/01/07/marijuana-geneva-floats-dream-making-drug-legal/" target="_blank">Geneva Wants to Legalize the Marijuana Business</a></strong>. A year after Switzerland decriminalized pot possession, the canton on Geneva is thinking about legalizing the pot trade in a bid to undermine the black market. The canton&#39;s multi-party Advisory Commission on Addiction has urged the regional government to seek federal government approval of a pilot legalization program. The commission is recommending something akin to the Spanish model, where home cultivation is tolerated and private cannabis clubs offer smoking space and weed for sale to members.</p><p><strong><a href="http://sputniknews.com/latam/20150111/1016774730.html" target="_blank">Brazil Justice Minister Says No Marijuana Legalization</a></strong>. Justice Minister Jose Eduardo Cardozo said Sunday that Brazil has no intention of following neighboring Uruguay down the path of pot legalization. &quot;Legalization of drugs is not a part of the government&#39;s plans,&quot; he said. While reform advocates have cited prison overcrowding as a reason to legalize pot, Cardozo said the answer to overcrowding is not to stop arresting marijuana offenders, but to build more prisons.</p><p><strong><a href="http://laht.com/article.asp?ArticleId=2368493&amp;CategoryId=14094" target="_blank">Chile Authorizes Second Medical Marijuana Grow</a></strong>. Government officials have given the okay to a Chilean concern to grow a medical marijuana crop, the second time such a crop has been approved in the country. Agrofuturo will begin industrial production at its facility in the city of Los Angeles, south of Santiago. In September, the government granted approval to the Daya Foundation to grow the country&#39;s -- and the continent&#39;s -- first legal medical marijuana crop.</p> </div>
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http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/2015/jan/12/chronicle_am_ca_tribe_will_grow#comments2014Addiction TreatmentAsset ForfeitureCongressDecriminalizationDrug PreventionExecutive BranchHeroinMandatory MinimumsMarijuana -- Personal UseMarijuana IndustryMarijuana LegalizationMedical MarijuanaNews BriefOverdose PreventionOverdosesPollingPublic OpinionState & Local LegislaturesMon, 12 Jan 2015 22:04:13 +0000psmith31265 at http://stopthedrugwar.orgChronicle AM: DC Pot Foes Busted, VT Pot Legalization Coalition Forms, KY to Hand Out Naloxone Kits, More (1/7/15)http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/2015/jan/07/chronicle_am_dc_pot_foes_busted
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<p>DC pot legalization foes get nailed for campaign finance violations, Vermont activists are joining forces to legalize it this year, the Congressional Black Caucus is going to concentrate on criminal justice reform, Kentucky is spending money to prevent opiate overdoses, and more. Let&#39;s get to it:</p><p>[image:1 align:left caption:true]<strong>Marijuana Policy</strong></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/govbeat/wp/2015/01/07/gov-hickenlooper-pot-legalization-is-off-to-a-good-start-but-youth-education-is-still-a-concern" target="_blank">Colorado Governor Says Legalization Off to Good Start, But He&#39;s Worried About the Kids</a></strong>. Gov. John Hickenlooper (D) told reporters Tuesday that despite his initial concerns, the state&#39;s marijuana industry is well-regulated and staying within the law &quot;in almost every case.&quot; Still, said Hickenlooper, &quot;The concern that we still have &mdash; that I still have &mdash; is whether&nbsp;young people will view this legalization as in some way saying to them that marijuana is safe.&quot;</p><p><strong><a href="http://dcist.com/2015/01/anti-pot_legalization_advocates_vio.php" target="_blank">DC Legalization Opponents Violated Campaign Finance Laws</a></strong>. The DC Office of Campaign Finance has concluded that the anti-Initiative 71 group TIE DC (&quot;Two is Enough, DC&quot;) violated several campaign laws in its effort to defeat the successful legalization initiative. It failed to register as a political committee, failed to file a financial report, and failed to include proper language in its campaign literature, according to <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/251963590/OCF-TIEDC2" target="_blank">the campaign finance office report</a>. The office is recommending that the group be fined $2,000.</p><p><strong><a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/marijuana/index.ssf/2015/01/oregon_liquor_control_commissi_2.html" target="_blank">Oregon Liquor Commission Seeking Public Comment on How to Proceed With Legal Marijuana</a></strong>. The commission, which is charged with implementing legalization, wants to hear from interested parties. It has&nbsp;<a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/olcc-marijuana-planning-survey" target="_blank">posted a survey</a>&nbsp;on its website asking the public for its input on how best to move forward. The commission is planning a series of &quot;listening sessions&quot; later this month.</p><p><strong><a href="https://vtdigger.org/2015/01/06/marijuana-legalization-supporters-join-forces" target="_blank">Vermont Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Forms</a></strong>. Groups of Vermont legalization supporters have come together to form the <a href="http://www.regulatevermont.org/" target="_blank">Vermont Coalition to Regulate Marijuana</a> with an eye toward getting a legalization bill passed this year. <a href="http://www.regulatevermont.org/coalition/">Coalition members</a> include the Vermont ACLU, the state Libertarian and Progressive parties, other state groups, the <a href="http://www.regulatevermont.org/coalition/" target="_blank">Marijuana Policy Project</a> and Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (<a href="http://www.leap.cc/" target="_blank">LEAP</a>). A legalization bill last year morphed into a study bill, whose report will be released next week, but Sen. David Zuckerman (P/D-Chittenden) said he plans to introduce a legalization bill this session.</p><p><strong>Harm Reduction</strong></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.kentucky.com/2015/01/06/3626974/state-to-fund-kits-with-life-saving.html" target="_blank">Kentucky to Pay For 2,000 Take-Home Overdose Reversal Drug Kits</a></strong>. Gov. Steve Beshear (D) announced Tuesday that the state will provide $105,000 for three urban hospitals to buy 2,000 naloxone kits to send home with heroin overdose patients. &quot;This project will allow us to get this medicine into the hands and homes of the people who need it most: heroin users and their families,&quot; Attorney General Jack Conway said at a Capitol news conference, standing with Beshear and first lady Jane Beshear. &quot;They will be walking out (of the emergency room) with a medication that could save their lives.&quot; At least 723 Kentuckians died of drug overdoses in the first nine months of 2014; 27% of those cases involved heroin.</p><p><strong>Criminal Justice</strong></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2015/01/06/252170_rep-gk-butterfield-takes-helm.html?sp=/99/200/365/&amp;rh=1" target="_blank">New Head of Congressional Black Caucus Promises Focus on Criminal Justice Reform</a></strong>. Incoming caucus head Rep. GK Butterfield (D-NC) said at his swearing in ceremony Tuesday that the group will focus on criminal justice reform this session. &quot;Thjere is a well-founded mistrust between the African American community and law enforcement officers,&quot; Butterfield said. &quot;The statistics are clear. Video clips are clear.&nbsp;We recognize that the overwhelming majority of law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities. Unfortunately, there are some officers who abuse the sacred responsibility to protect and serve by using excessive and sometimes deadly force when a less severe response is warranted. The CBC will seek legislative action to reverse this terrible trend.&quot; The caucus will also work to reform sentencing laws, he said.</p><p><strong>International</strong></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-30703229" target="_blank">At White House, Obama Pledges to Support Mexico in Fight Against Drug Violence</a></strong>. Meeting with Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto Tuesday, President Obama said the US will stand alongside Mexico as a &quot;good partner&quot; in its fight against violent drug traffickers and related problems. &quot;Our commitment is to be a friend and supporter of Mexico in its efforts to eliminate the scourge of violence and drug cartels that are responsible for so many tragedies inside of Mexico,&quot; he said. Despite calls from groups such as <a href="http://www.hrw.org/news/2015/01/05/mexicous-obama-should-press-pena-nieto-justice" target="_blank">Human Rights Watch</a> and the <a href="http://www.cipamericas.org/archives/14307" target="_blank">Center for International Policy&#39;s America&#39;s Program</a> for the US to hold Mexico&#39;s feet to the fire over human rights violations, corruption, and impunity, Obama did not publicly address those issues.&nbsp;</p> </div>
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http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/2015/jan/07/chronicle_am_dc_pot_foes_busted#comments2014Crime & ViolenceExecutive BranchMarijuana -- Personal UseMarijuana LegalizationMexican Drug WarNews BriefOverdose PreventionOverdosesSentencingState & Local Executive BranchesState & Local LegislaturesWed, 07 Jan 2015 21:59:25 +0000psmith31261 at http://stopthedrugwar.orgChronicle AM: Seattle Pot Vapor Lounges, VA Pot Poll, Here Comes California, Iran Drug Executions, More (1/6/15)http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/2015/jan/06/chronicle_am_seattle_pot_vapor_l
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<p>Seattle&#39;s city attorney wants a place for marijuana users to congregate, California activists start moving toward 2016, Dr. David Nutt criticizes British Ecstasy policy, Iran starts the New Year with a bakers&#39; dozen drug executions, and more. Let&#39;s get to it:</p><p>[image:1 align:left caption:true]<strong>Marijuana Policy</strong></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.king5.com/story/news/local/seattle/2015/01/05/seattle-city-attorney-proposes-pot-vapor-lounge/21318233/" target="_blank">Seattle City Attorney Wants Marijuana Vapor Lounges</a></strong>. In <a href="http://seattletimes.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/pot/files/2015/01/MarijuanaMemoFinalPSH.pdf" target="_blank">a new memo</a> on marijuana policy, City Attorney Peter Holmes is calling for the legalization of pot vapor lounges in the city. &quot;Single family homeowners have a legal place to consume marijuana; others however, such as out-of-town visitors, the homeless, and renters and condominium owners whose buildings do not permit marijuana use, have fewer options,&quot; he noted in the memo. &quot;You can enforce that law much better if you, at the same time, provide an outlet for that demand,&quot; Holmes said. The lounges would be open only to those 21 and over, require customers to bring their own weed, and would only allow vaping, not smoking. Such a move would require the approval of the city council and the city health department.</p><p><strong><a href="http://www.mpp.org/states/virginia/VirginiaResults.pdf" target="_blank">Virginia Poll Finds Majority Support for Decriminalization, Medical Marijuana</a></strong>. A Public Policy Polling survey commissioned by the <a href="http://www.mpp.org/" target="_blank">Marijuana Policy Project</a> finds that 74% of respondents supported allowing medical marijuana and 60% supported decriminalization. The poll also had a near-majority for legalization, with 49% in favor and 44% opposed.</p><p><strong><a href="http://www.eastbayexpress.com/LegalizationNation/archives/2015/01/06/california-legalization-activists-announce-first-public-meetings-of-2015" target="_blank">California Activists Set First Meeting for 2016 Initiative</a></strong>. The California <a href="http://www.cannabispolicyreform.org/" target="_blank">Coalition for Cannabis Policy Reform</a> will kick off the effort to legalize pot in the state in 2016 with a meeting in Oakland this Friday. The meeting will be a seminar examining lessons from the successful initiative efforts in Oregon, Washington, and the District of Columbia, as well as the roll-out of marijuana commerce in Colorado. Click on the link for meeting details. &nbsp;</p><p><strong>Medical Marijuana</strong></p><p><strong><a href="http://whotv.com/2015/01/05/pharmacy-board-votes-to-give-cannabis-oil-schedule-ii-status" target="_blank">Iowa Pharmacy Board Votes to Reschedule CBD, But Not Marijuana</a></strong>. The state Board of Pharmacy voted Monday to move cannabidiol (CBD) from Schedule I to Schedule II, but not marijuana. The board was acting on a petition from long-time activist Carl Olsen, who sought to have the whole plant rescheduled. But the board wasn&#39;t ready to do that. Olsen says while it isn&#39;t what he was asking for, it is a step in the right direction.</p><p><strong>Sentencing</strong></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.theweedblog.com/defelonize-drug-possession-washington-public-hearing" target="_blank">Washington State Defelonization Bill to Get Hearing</a></strong>. A bill that would make simple drug possession a misdemeanor instead of a felony will get a public hearing in the House Public Safety Committee on January 16. The bill is <a href="http://apps.leg.wa.gov/BILLinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1024&amp;year=2015" target="_blank">House Bill 1024</a>, introduced by Rep. Sherry Appleton (D-Poulsbo), and is estimated to save the state millions in incarceration costs each year if passed. Fourteen other states have defelonized drug possession, with California being the most recent. Voters there approved a defelonization initiative in November.</p><p><strong>Law Enforcement</strong></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/features/americas-dirtiest-cops-cash-cocaine-texas-hidalgo-county-20150105" target="_blank">Rolling Stone Exposé on Crooked Texas Border Drug Task Force</a></strong>. Rolling Stone has published an in-depth look at a South Texas drug task force, the infamous &quot;Panama Unit&quot; of the Hidalgo County Sheriff&#39;s Office and the Mission Police Department. The extent of the thievery and corruption is mind-blowing. Well worth the read.</p><p><strong>International</strong></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/jan/05/superman-ecstasy-pill-death-result-uk-illogical-punitive-drugs-policy" target="_blank">&quot;Illogical and Punitive Drug Policy&quot; to Blame for British Ecstasy Deaths, Prominent Critic Says</a></strong>. Dr. David Nutt, the former head of the Advisory Commission on the Misuse of Drugs who was fired for failing to toe the government&#39;s hard line of drug policy, has blamed that hard-line policy for the drug overdose deaths of four men in the past few days. The men thought they were taking Ecstasy, but a British government crackdown on the drug has led to it being substituted by a more lethal substance, PMA. That&#39;s the &quot;illogical and punitive drug policy,&quot; Nutt was referencing. &quot;The emergence of the more toxic PMA following the so-called &lsquo;success&rsquo; in reducing MDMA production is just one of many examples of how prohibition of one drug leads to greater harm from an alternative that is developed to overcome the block,&quot; he added.</p><p><strong><a href="http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2015/jan/06/mexican-army-kills-9-in-michoacan-confrontation" target="_blank">Mexican Army Kills Nine Civilians in Cartel-Plagued Michoacan</a></strong>. Nine civilians have been killed by Mexican soldiers in the town of Apatzigan, Michoacan, after the army tried to take control of city hall, which had been held for days by armed civilians. It&#39;s not clear who exactly was involved, but the western Mexican state has been plagued for years by violent drug trafficking organizations, and more recently, by armed vigilantes fighting the cartels.</p><p><strong><a href="http://www.handsoffcain.info/news/index.php?iddocumento=19300077" target="_blank">Iran Greets New Year By Hanging 13 Drug Offenders</a></strong>. New Year&#39;s Day saw 13 drug offenders hanged in Iranian prisons, including four women. All had been convicted of drug trafficking. Iran hanged hundreds of drug traffickers last year, and it looks like it&#39;s off to a quick start this year, too.&nbsp;</p> </div>
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http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/2015/jan/06/chronicle_am_seattle_pot_vapor_l#comments2016BorderBudgets/Taxes/EconomicsCrime & ViolenceDeath PenaltyDecriminalizationDefelonizationEcstasyMarijuana -- Personal UseMarijuana LegalizationMedical MarijuanaNews BriefPolice CorruptionPollingPopularization of Worse DrugsPublic OpinionState & Local Executive BranchesTask ForcesTue, 06 Jan 2015 23:28:19 +0000psmith31259 at http://stopthedrugwar.org